Built around the concepts of play and practice, Jo Toye embraces experimentation and innovation. Focusing on technique, line and “working small,” she shares a host of unusual techniques and works with unusual materials. As many acrylic artists do, Jo creates primarily (but not exclusively) abstract art. Her emphasis on line and the use of line to build an understructure for design and composition is unique, as is her incorporation of “writing” into her paintings. Surely, few acrylic artists have ever thought of painting on a black surface or using razor blades masking fluid pens, applicator bottles or mouth atomizers to create and define line. These simple tools and concepts result in line work that is distinctive. Experimental Techniques in Acrylic Painting also adapts interesting mixed media techniques for use in creating in acrylic. Her takes on stenciling, sponging, masking, rolling paint, and working with gesso are not to be missed. Finally, also unique to this workshop in a book is the use of the small format painting and the emphasis on making “practice samples” that can be referenced at a later time for inspiration and direction in larger paintings.
